Policy Analysis and Information

The Hogg Foundation serves as an information resource to policy makers by providing technical assistance to legislative and state agency staff on mental health issues. Upon request, the foundation provides written and oral testimony at legislative hearings, interim hearings and public forums addressing mental health policy. The foundation also develops and makes available informational documents such as policy briefs, fact sheets and reports addressing mental health policies.

The Texas Legislature meets from early January through the end of May in each odd-numbered year. During the regular session, the foundation tracks the progress of bills related to mental health, attends committee hearings and floor discussions, and provides resource information when requested by legislators or their staff. During the interim between sessions, the foundation monitors interim committees, attends public meetings and hearings, analyzes interim reports, and offers recommendations for systems change.

Mental Health Housing Brief: a brief on the Department of State Health Services’ Exceptional Item #8 that requests funding for basic and enhanced supportive housing projects for people with serious mental illness.

Integrated Health Care and Disparities: overview of eliminating health disparities for racial and ethnic minority populations and people with limited English proficiency through integrated health care.

Policy Recommendation: strategies HHSC and the Department of Aging and Disability Services could use to develop and improve the mental health and wellness of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Peer Support Services

Expanding Mental Health Peer Support Services: recommendation that HHSC and Department of State Health Services identify and implement changes needed to expand the use of certified peer specialists in the provision of mental health services in Texas.

State & Local GovernmentAt the administrative level, the foundation regularly participates in state and local agency meetings regarding policies that affect mental health services and programs in Texas. The foundation also participates in various rule making initiatives, offers resource information, and provides technical assistance on mental health policy.

Several foundation staff who are trained mental health or policy professionals, mental health consumers, or family members of consumers have been appointed to various national, state and local public advisory committees, boards and legislative workgroups that address mental health public policy. Participating on these councils, workgroups and advisory committees provides significant opportunities to help shape mental health policies in Texas.

The foundation does not lobby or take positions on specific legislative proposals.

Position Statement on Behavioral Health in National Health Care Reform